David Forbes (politician)

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David Forbes (born 1956) is a former Canadian provincial politician who served as the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party MLA for Saskatoon Centre from 2001 to 2020. He grew up on a farm in Mortlach, Saskatchewan, and taught for 18 years in Saskatoon and rural areas. He earned a Bachelor of Education from the University of Regina in 1982 and a Master’s in Education Administration from the University of Saskatchewan in 1996.

Forbes began his political career with a by-election in 2001 for Saskatoon Idylwyld, winning the seat with 57% of the vote. After boundary changes, he won the new Saskatoon Centre seat in 2003 and was re-elected in 2007, 2011, and 2016. During his time in government, he served as Minister of Environment (with responsibilities for the Office of Energy Conservation and the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority) and later as Minister of Labour. When the NDP sat in opposition, he was the critic for Labour, Housing, Diversity, Equality and Human Rights, among other portfolios, and he held the role of Caucus Chair for several years.

Forbes was a prolific legislator and championed several key initiatives. He led the development of Saskatchewan’s Biodiversity Action Plan (2004-2009) and pushed for environmental and water conservation measures, including The Great Sand Hills protection expansion. He helped create Family Day, supported raising the minimum wage toward the Low Income Cut-Off level, and advanced workplace safety and anti-harassment measures. He introduced laws to protect service animals, promote respectful language in government, and expand rights related to gender identity and diversity. He also pushed for housing policy improvements and discussed reforms to elections and political funding.

Among his notable private member’s bills were “Jimmy’s Law” to improve late-night worker safety and various proposals aimed at protecting students’ rights, improving diversity protections, and increasing government transparency. He also supported laws recognizing gender identity in the Human Rights Code and worked on issues affecting First Nations communities, including fair treatment and reconciliation efforts.

Forbes announced in 2020 that he would not seek re-election, ending a legislative career that included four general elections and one by-election. He said he planned to spend more time with his family and grandchildren.